The ancient sea that once divided North America from north to south has left an indelible mark on our continent's history, and its legacy continues to captivate and educate us. This vast inland sea, known as the Western Interior Seaway, existed for over 30 million years, stretching from the Arctic Ocean to the Gulf Coast. It was a thriving ecosystem, teeming with life, from giant marine reptiles to sharks and ammonites, which are related to today's squid and octopus. The sea's disappearance millions of years ago has left behind remarkable clues, with some of the best-preserved fossils on display at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC.
One of the most fascinating aspects of these fossils is their preservation. The ammonite shells, for instance, still shimmer with colorful patterns due to their composition of nacre, or mother-of-pearl. This material, which gives pearls their shine, became even more visible during fossilization, allowing the shells to reflect light millions of years later. Ammonites came in various sizes, with some growing to about six feet across, but they primarily fed on tiny sea creatures like plankton.
The exhibition 'From these lands' showcases hundreds of fossils and artifacts from across the United States, including these stunning ammonite shells. The fossils are not limited to coastal areas; they can be found far from today's coastlines due to the Earth's ever-changing surface. Scientists have discovered traces of early animal life in Utah, ancient reefs in Ohio, and fossil shark teeth in South Carolina, dating back millions of years. Ohio, in particular, is known for its fossils of Cladoselache, an ancient shark-like fish, and the remains of plants that had just started growing on land.
The Western Interior Seaway's impact extends beyond its fossil record. Over millions of years, the rocks from the seaway broke down and formed fertile soil, which later contributed to the American Midwest becoming one of the country's most important farming regions. This ancient sea has not only shaped our understanding of Earth's history but also continues to offer valuable insights into the past, present, and future of our planet.
